NCL onboard internet prices jumped 20-55%

[hawkeyetlse]

It's not a sneaky price increase if it is published.

"Sneaky" on this board means they did not announce it loudly through multiple channels at least 120 days in advance, and they did not offer to grandfather in everyone with exisitng bookings at the old price.

[dd2355]

I doubt that this change will cause NCL to lose much business (other than maybe having fewer people buy the internet package).

Strictly speaking, if this results in increased revenues then NCL had been undercharging and they were doing a disservice to their employees and shareholders.

 

Because it's not locked in when you book your cruise.

Still not seeing how it's "sneaky". Was there something that made you think the internet pricing wouldn't possibly change between booking and sailing?

[NLH Arizona]

Still not seeing how it's "sneaky". Was there something that made you think the internet pricing wouldn't possibly change between booking and sailing?

I'm not seeing how it is sneaky either. If one reads their contract with NCL, it clearly states that they are able to change anything and that would included the price of the internet, drinks, shore excursions, specialty dining, photos, etc. The only thing they can't change is the fare you paid for your transportation and ordinary vessel food.

 

Maybe NCL should have internet packages available for one to purchase when they book their cruise, thus protecting them in case of a price raise.

Edited October 5, 2015 by NLH Arizona

[sparks1093]

Strictly speaking, if this results in increased revenues then NCL had been undercharging and they were doing a disservice to their employees and shareholders.

 

 

Still not seeing how it's "sneaky". Was there something that made you think the internet pricing wouldn't possibly change between booking and sailing?

 

I really doubt that this will result in a significant increase in revenue, at least by itself. The overall attitude toward the passengers' wallet expressed by Del Rio might increase revenue some. Personally I don't think the increase qualifies as "sneaky".

[dd2355]

I really doubt that this will result in a significant increase in revenue, at least by itself.

 

Agreed. I was talking more conceptually than in terms of what would have an individual measurable effect. Still, put together enough drops of water and you've filled a bathtub. :D

[abe3]

"Sneaky" on this board means they did not announce it loudly through multiple channels at least 120 days in advance, and they did not offer to grandfather in everyone with exisitng bookings at the old price.

 

 

I guess if they lower prices after final payment and then you get some type of benefit because you called them to demand compensation because of their "sneaky" price fluctuations in their cruise fare.

 

NCL and other businesses have the right to increase prices. It is in their terms and conditions Why would you want to be grandfathered in? Don't buy the Internet package if it is going to kill your budget? Just buy some minutes to use if you need to. Just don't make sense why people get worked up about this. Price increases happen all the time all over the world. Maybe you should go complain Disney for raising their annual passes by a few hundred dollars. Or the cable companies for always raising their prices.

[SuiteCruiser]

I guess if they lower prices after final payment and then you get some type of benefit because you called them to demand compensation because of their "sneaky" price fluctuations in their cruise fare.

 

NCL and other businesses have the right to increase prices. It is in their terms and conditions Why would you want to be grandfathered in? Don't buy the Internet package if it is going to kill your budget? Just buy some minutes to use if you need to. Just don't make sense why people get worked up about this. Price increases happen all the time all over the world. Maybe you should go complain Disney for raising their annual passes by a few hundred dollars. Or the cable companies for always raising their prices.

 

Here we go again, Rah Rah Rah!

 

Reality is all of these changes have been sneaky in that they are done with ZERO communication. They are all in place with no ability to plan.

 

Thankfully I can afford it all, but other people budget for everything and these changes have affected the trip that they thought they were taking.

 

The only reason people in the US knew that the UBP was going up by $10/day was from something on the UK site. It also said pay up by Sept 30th and you're locked in at the old rate. Those people not on here and looking at the US site did not have that same benefit.

 

I call that all sneaky. Bad business, and less people will purchase UBP and internet because of it. I know I won't pay the new UBP rates, it's ridiculous and reached the tipping point for most of the people I've spoken to.

 

sneaky Meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary

dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sneaky

sneaky meaning, definition: doing things in a secret and unfair way:

[abe3]

Here we go again, Rah Rah Rah!

 

 

 

Reality is all of these changes have been sneaky in that they are done with ZERO communication. They are all in place with no ability to plan.

 

 

 

Thankfully I can afford it all, but other people budget for everything and these changes have affected the trip that they thought they were taking.

 

 

 

The only reason people in the US knew that the UBP was going up by $10/day was from something on the UK site. It also said pay up by Sept 30th and you're locked in at the old rate. Those people not on here and looking at the US site did not have that same benefit.

 

 

 

I call that all sneaky. Bad business, and less people will purchase UBP and internet because of it. I know I won't pay the new UBP rates, it's ridiculous and reached the tipping point for most of the people I've spoken to.

 

 

 

sneaky Meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary

 

dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sneaky

 

sneaky meaning, definition: doing things in a secret and unfair way:

 

 

Not a secret or unfair way. Not being a cheerleader like you think I am I am just saying businesses have the right to change prices. I work for a company and we will raise prices without announcing it but will publish the new price online or in our catalog. Sneaky would be you get in the boat and in the middle of the cruise they change the price of a restaurant or the Internet package during the middle of a cruise.

Edited October 5, 2015 by abe3

[sparks1093]

Not a secret or unfair way. Not being a cheerleader like you think I am I am just saying businesses have the right to change prices. I work for a company and we will raise prices without announcing it but will publish the new price online or in our catalog. Sneaky would be you get in the boat and in the middle of the cruise they change the price of a restaurant or the Internet package during the middle of a cruise.

 

But if your company has offered something at price $x for some time and your costs have remained stable would you all of a sudden raise your price to $y just because the customer would pay it?

[NLH Arizona]

Not a secret or unfair way. Not being a cheerleader like you think I am I am just saying businesses have the right to change prices. I work for a company and we will raise prices without announcing it but will publish the new price online or in our catalog. Sneaky would be you get in the boat and in the middle of the cruise they change the price of a restaurant or the Internet package during the middle of a cruise.

I guess if it is sneaky to raise prices without announcing them, then just about every company in the world is guilty. When was the last time a gas station put out a sign....we are changing prices next week or a grocery store putting out a sign...get your hamburger now because tomorrow it will be more expensive.

[awaywego0000]

Upcoming cruise we want to be able to check in with our child at home. We could choose not to; I'm just not willing to make that choice. So we will pay whatever we have to pay. I'm a captive audience. Prior to this I've never used the internet while on a cruise.

 

I'm in the same boat lol.

[hawkeyetlse]

Reality is all of these changes have been sneaky in that they are done with ZERO communication. They are all in place with no ability to plan.

I would suggest that posting the current prices on the NCL website counts as a form of communication… I guess you would also like them to announce what the price will be 6 months from now, 2 years from now (and what the price has been throughout history), but no business (including all of NCL's competitors) would be able or willing to do that. They will not even promise "these prices are guaranteed at least until such-and-such future date". They all simply say "prices are subject to change without notice".

[dd2355]

But if your company has offered something at price $x for some time and your costs have remained stable would you all of a sudden raise your price to $y just because the customer would pay it?

 

Turn the question around: At your job your boss offers you a raise. Do you take it?

 

Alternate thought -- consider this. What if they're finding the usage it approaching capacity on the ships and expanding that capacity would be prohibitively expensive. How do you cut down the usage a bit? Raise the price. At least some people will use it less.

[newmexicoNita]

Never use it as it's a ripoff plus it can be very slow at times.

If we need internet we wait till we hit a port as you'll usually find one near the pier.

 

there are a few things i think are rip offs on cruises; the internet being one of them. I don't remember how much it was on Princess, because we were lucky to have free service, but it was so slow it was not worth the hassle. I do know years ago, it was less expensive on NCL than on Carnival. My daughter told me this as she does have to have some internet availability for business. The other rip off, on NCL more than any is Bingo. We just don't play it. If I want to throw money away I will go to the casino. At least my $20 lasts a little longer.

[dd2355]

other people budget for everything and these changes have affected the trip that they thought they were taking.

IMHO someone budgeting for a trip needs to include a contingency for price increases on anything that might change price, especially so if it's a necessity for them and they don't have the flexibility most of us are fortunate to have. That's just basic good-practice for any sort of budget.

[GUEST080219]

I am happy for NCL to read that there is such a loyal fanbase who does not care about price increases because the T&C allow it.

The problem and difference to other businesses is that there often is a long time between booking and actually sailing. If the cinema raises the price I can easily decide to not go there anymore. When I already booked the vacation, bought books for the destinations, travel arrangements, hotels and more I already invested money and can't just decide to not go on the cruise because the additional charges were increased. I just have to take it and pay for it or degrade my vacation experience.

 

If it is so easy and the right way to do business, why didn't it happen earlier? Might it have something to do with leadership and good business. That has been in the company earlier and left by now?

[newmexicoNita]

NCL seems to be coming in the back door with their price increases. First the fee for room service then the raise in auto and now internet. When will there be a charge for the dining rooms and shows?

 

Don't know why I am even bothering to answer you, cause you rarely, if ever, have a positive thing to say, but have you even priced other lines lately? They are all going to get us one way or the other. Most of the charges NCL has altered or added are things no one needs to use if they do not want to. Our granddaughter just got off RCI. She was shocked at some of the prices and our Travel agent just returned from an AI in Cancun. It was very upsale, but she said the packages, like the spa packages make NCLs almost look free.

[redfantum]

IMHO someone budgeting for a trip needs to include a contingency for price increases on anything that might change price, especially so if it's a necessity for them and they don't have the flexibility most of us are fortunate to have. That's just basic good-practice for any sort of budget.

Of course this is true. I think the current problem is the multiple price increases and changes in policy for the past few months. You make a contigency plan, prices go up, you adjust. Ok, fine. But then three weeks later something else goes up, then something else. Eventually you just feel like you are being battered and reach a breaking point. I have only sailed on NCL and had booked my last cruise under favorable terms back in Feb, so didn't freak out and cancel, but I am currently searching other lines. If my bottom line still favors NCL, great, otherwise I'll do something else.

[sparks1093]

Turn the question around: At your job your boss offers you a raise. Do you take it?

 

Alternate thought -- consider this. What if they're finding the usage it approaching capacity on the ships and expanding that capacity would be prohibitively expensive. How do you cut down the usage a bit? Raise the price. At least some people will use it less.

 

My boss would only offer me a raise if my value to the company has increased enough to warrant it, so yes, I would take it;). Given Del Rio's modus operandi up until now while all of that may be a possibility I remain cynical about the whole thing. Another way of approaching the demand issue would be to limit the number of minutes/packages available.

[dd2355]

I am happy for NCL to read that there is such a loyal fanbase who does not care about price increases because the T&C allow it.

 

Why do you assume that the people who understand how business works are happy? One can dislike the price increase yet still comprehend why it's normal business practice.

 

The problem and difference to other businesses is that there often is a long time between booking and actually sailing. If the cinema raises the price I can easily decide to not go there anymore. When I already booked the vacation, bought books for the destinations, travel arrangements, hotels and more I already invested money and can't just decide to not go

Yes, the lead time has an impact. Just as gas prices can change substantially and affect the cost of driving to the cruise port.

 

The ideal situation would be if they were to allow pre-buying packages and locking in a price. But they don't. You knew it could change. Probably something folks ought to be looking for in selecting their next vacation if this sort of thing is really creating a true hardship for them. Voting with your wallet will have a substantially greater impact than posting to CC. :)

[missintuitive]

Strictly speaking, if this results in increased revenues then NCL had been undercharging and they were doing a disservice to their employees and shareholders.

 

 

 

 

 

Still not seeing how it's "sneaky". Was there something that made you think the internet pricing wouldn't possibly change between booking and sailing?

 

 

Ncl is definitely not undercharging. Carnival and RCI offer unlimited packages (with super fast technology) for $105 for 7 days on 1 device (less on carnival of you are just checking email or social media). For NCL to go to $200+ is short sighted.... Oh well....

 

But this is the same theme that has happened all year with NCL. Increase price and then some folks don't understand what the problem is or Some people don't care because they don't use it, or bc it costs the ship more now, blah, blah, blah...

 

This is getting old and before anyone says it my next cruise will be on another line (next year). Until then I can and will comment or complain about the one I spent MY money on...

 

Carry on...

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[abe3]

But if your company has offered something at price $x for some time and your costs have remained stable would you all of a sudden raise your price to $y just because the customer would pay it?

 

 

Price of doing business always goes up. Giving raises to employees, cost of shipping products goes up because UPS or Fedex raises their shipping rates. Taxes increasing, price of paper/ink goes up to print invoices. There are so many things that can cause an increase of a product. Who knows maybe the company that supplies the Internet connection to NCL raised their prices? To me it's part of life that prices will increase we all just hope our income will increase with it too. Otherwise business will either cut costs or close down because people will not eithe let buy their products or services.

[dd2355]

Another way of approaching the demand issue would be to limit the number of minutes/packages available.

Yes, that is a way to allocate a limited resource. The challenge then is how do you (efficiently) differentiate between those who really truly need it (business owner, sick family member back home) from those who just can't bear to be away from Facebook for more than an hour?

[newmexicoNita]

Am I the only one that does not understand why people need the internet on a 7 day cruise for anything other than business reasons? It is 7 days....you people can not break your dependence for 7 days to enjoy your vacation? Unplug people....I promise you will survive....

 

6&8

 

couldn't have said it better: a vacation is to escape the busy life: let it go people; I remember when there were no phones on cruise ships and no TVs in cabins. We cruised for the fun, the pampering, the social life and yes, to get away from a busy life. No wonder people are having nervous breakdowns, high blood pressure, diabetes, they don't know how to relax. forget the computers, lock the phones up in the safe, accept the fact life will go on even when you are out of reach at work or home, the kids are not going to get beaten up while you are gone, the dog will be happy being boarded and the world will not end.

[janpo]

Here we go again, Rah Rah Rah!

 

Reality is all of these changes have been sneaky in that they are done with ZERO communication. They are all in place with no ability to plan.

 

Thankfully I can afford it all, but other people budget for everything and these changes have affected the trip that they thought they were taking.

 

The only reason people in the US knew that the UBP was going up by $10/day was from something on the UK site. It also said pay up by Sept 30th and you're locked in at the old rate. Those people not on here and looking at the US site did not have that same benefit.

 

I call that all sneaky. Bad business, and less people will purchase UBP and internet because of it. I know I won't pay the new UBP rates, it's ridiculous and reached the tipping point for most of the people I've spoken to.

 

sneaky Meaning in the Cambridge English Dictionary

dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/sneaky

sneaky meaning, definition: doing things in a secret and unfair way:

 

 

+10

 

Some people on here must walk around with their wallets hanging open and a sign around their neck saying....NCL is always rignt....please take my money.

 

Rah rah is right. Someone's going to throw their back out cheering so much.